Quick answer
A medical loan is usually an unsecured personal loan used for treatment or medical bills. Before borrowing, ask the provider about financial assistance and interest-free payment plans, and check the bill against your insurance. If you still need financing, compare a fixed-rate loan with any medical credit card offer using total cost.
Medical costs are different from most purchases: prices can be negotiable, help may be available, and mistakes on bills are common. A loan should come after those checks, not before.
Before you borrow
- Check the bill. Ask for an itemized bill and compare it with your insurer's explanation of benefits.
- Ask about financial assistance. The CFPB notes your provider may be required to offer financial assistance or charity care. The IRS says tax-exempt hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy.
- Ask for a payment plan. Many providers will spread a bill over months, sometimes without interest.
- Know your rights on surprise bills. The CFPB explains the No Surprises Act protections for certain out-of-network bills.
Financing options
| Option | How interest works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Provider payment plan | Often none | Bills from one provider |
| Medical credit card | Deferred, then high if a balance remains | Bills you can clear within the promo |
| Personal loan | Fixed APR, fixed payment | Larger costs or several providers |
| Regular credit card | High APR on carried balances | Small amounts paid off quickly |
What a medical loan costs
Here is what borrowing $5,000 over 36 months costs at three APRs across the 5.99% to 35.99% range offered on our network.
| APR | Monthly payment | Total interest | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.99% | $152.09 | about $475 | about $5,475 |
| 15.99% | $175.76 | about $1,327 | about $6,327 |
| 35.99% | $228.99 | about $3,244 | about $8,244 |
Planned treatment vs past bills
For upcoming care like surgery, fertility treatment or dental work, get a written estimate and financing quotes before treatment. See IVF loans and dental loans. For bills you already owe, start with medical debt consolidation.
If a fixed-rate installment loan is the right tool, use the form on this page to see whether partner lenders may have an offer, or call (800) 236-7761. You can also compare costs first with the loan payment calculator.
Examples are illustrations, not offers. Approval, APR and terms depend on the lender, your state and your credit profile.
Frequently asked questions about medical loans: paying for treatment and medical bills
Can I get a loan for medical bills with bad credit?
Some lenders work with lower scores at higher APRs. Provider payment plans and hospital financial assistance often do not depend on your credit, so ask about those first.
Is a medical credit card better than a personal loan?
Only if you can pay it off before the deferred-interest period ends. The CFPB warns that a remaining balance can bring significant interest and fees.
Do hospitals offer financial assistance?
The IRS says tax-exempt hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy. Ask the billing office for it.
What if I already have medical bills in collections?
Confirm the debt and amount before paying. Our medical debt consolidation guide covers your options.
Sources
- CFPB: What should I know about medical credit cards and payment plans for medical bills? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- IRS: Financial assistance policies (FAPs) (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is a surprise medical bill and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: What is the difference between a loan interest rate and the APR? (accessed 2026-10-09)
Last updated 2026-10-09. How we research and update pages.